Dear MrNikhil Kamath I am devastated that i do not qualify as an idiot ( as the age criteria specified by you is 25) I was 29 when i did my MBA. But let me please present my case: I completed my graduation ( 5 long years) and did not drop out of college, what a waste of time. I took the foolish decision of studying hard for some of the so called good colleges of the country. On top of it , i even took up a job , and have been working in corporate sector for last 18 years. Now, basis my extra efforts, could you please relax your criteria a little and include me in the coveted list of “MBA idiots”
Nikhil Kamath is right for the wrong reasons. Visit Aunindyo Chakravarty to know why: https://lnkd.in/gPuD-gym The real benefit of an Indian MBA comes when people reach middle management, but AI is going to eliminate 80% of middle management jobs in Indian IT within the next decade. By the time people pay off their debt and try to reap the benefits of an MBA, the job market will have vanished due to AI. The Indian IT bubble already burst in 2023, and its decay started in 2011, which means those jobs will never come back. The real tragedy is that Aunindyo Chakravarty is out of the mainstream — someone who can actually tell you what is “right” or “wrong,” with decades of credibility and experience in economics.
Aashish Agrawalevery river has it's journey. Engineer at 22, MBA at 25 and CEO at 30 is a story of a short river that hasn't enjoyed the twists and turns of life it should have. When I appeared in 12th in 1991, I didn't want to become Engineer. I appeared for NDA instead (the exam dates for WBJEE and NDA coincided on 28th April 1991)... I cleared the written part to miss the SSB due to postal delay (not very uncommon those days). Next, year took up B. Stat Entrance in ISI, cleared the written only to fail in Interview. I halfheartedly started Engineering at the age of 20 in 1993 (It was 1st attempt through). Worked in the Industry for 7 years before deciding to write GATE. Became MTech at 33. Never became an MBA. Then in 2019, thought of seeing what is taught in IIMs... did SMP. It was a learning experience. And now, at 52, I am pursuing Master of Business Law. Is the courses that I took late in life going to give me an edge over others? I don't care. Are they adding value to my work? Definitely. Not only that, I feel learning is organic with reflections and recapitulations. Especially, for a maverick like me, who feels suffocated in beaten track. We are all different, we are all unique, and learning is always welcome.
4 replies
4 Replies on Anirwan Sengupta, PMP®, FIE’s comment
Anirwan Sengupta, PMP®, FIEYour story resonates with me. I got through NDA. Doing a MBA (went to IIM-A) was plan B. I studied corporate law and a foreign language well into my 40s, because I wanted to.
Men are never ugly or beautiful Men are never educated or illiterate. Men are simply either rich or poor. If a man is rich, we all take him seriously. An ugly, illiterate and rich... Man is more valuable than any handsome, literate, poor(networth below 10 crore) man
Sujith S S 👍Blind worshipping of rich mostly comes from people's lack of faith in democracy and public institutions. Blind worshipping of rich always comes after blind worshipping of majoritarian politician. This is very much universal and we're writing criticism of rich openly because of fall in the power of majoritarian politician. Hope you got my point 😂
Aashish Agrawal- Nikhil Kamath said "If you’re 25 and still going to an MBA college". STILL being and important word. MBA's relevance is reducing. You did MBA >10 years back, I did 6 years back. It was more relevant then than now. What was applicable to people like us, may not be fully applicable to people planning to pursue MBA in 2025. And AI is transforming the way we work - sector focus is becoming more important vs being a generalist. Sector specialists need not be an MBA grads.
Abhishek Gantii understand what you are saying and what he said was in a particular context, but even in that context one does not become an idiot to explore options available at one s hand, mba being one of them. And i do not see AI taking away all the jobs
Aashish AgrawalMaybe "idiot" was the wrong word he used. Consulting and IB are most sought after options after MBA. and AI has changed a lot. Like Consulting firms are hiring industry experts - all generalists roles are with AI with human intervention (which mean you may need 2 humans now vs 4-5 earlier). Now that's the change and why MBAs are losing relevance. HRs being replaced by AI (some companies fired HRs because of automation/AI). Surprisingly Doctors are doing MBA and getting into consulting - why? Because the sector experience they bring cannot be given by a normal MBA grad. Sales is not something that many want to go into, but get into them because they have no other option. This is what AI can't do: relationship mgmt. The thing is, for commerce students, MBA is the most lucrative option (thats losing relevance). For eng, those who don't want technical work, MBA is the only option (because of pay). That's changing. That's the difference now.
CA Mayank GuptaAbhishek Gantivery interesting points. And yes, i have seen the industry changing myself. However, what are the options available to further one s career even today. The question that need to be answered is “ if not mba, what?” And for a large part of eligible persons the alternate answer might be a little away as on date
Aashish AgrawalUpskill and not run behind a degree. That's the option. learn tools, gain more practical experience through freelancing/internships vs a degree. The thing here is today degree is not a substitute to skills while earlier degree was treated as a skill.
Abhishek GantiI am really not sure but consulting hires from campus have only increased in legacy B schools in India atleast. Maybe a deeper analysis of how our work is changing with AI rather than just a blanket statement 'we need 2 human beings instead of 4 now' is required.
Sounak GhoshYes legacy b-schools has increased. What about others. And I am not making a blanket statement - having worked for 6 years in consulting, I have seen the change. Experienced enough to make a statement like that 🙂. Campus recruitment is also done as a branding exercise, sending signals to market. What happens after that who knows? See example below:
Abhishek GantiI agree with the point that the world is recalibrating. But, do we really know how? I am sure you must have got enough experience to comment on that and that's why you think there is a direct correlation of AI to reducing the workforce in an organisation. But I am still learning how consulting is changing, and that forces me to think what structured thinking actually means and how AI rather Gen AI can be a better structured thinker that humans. Maybe slides, financial analysis and dashboards were never the consulting moat and that's how you see the shift is from strategy to implementation globally. Never meant to discount your experience, rather requested you to think a little more.
The idea of dropping out from college and doing business, sounds only good when you have strong backing. Many times, his college dropout story is being sold but no one talks about his competitive advantages as his family's well to do background. There are many stories in our society where college dropouts didn't make it and it cannot deny the importance of education. Education gives you many advantages which you don't have if you come from a family of farmers or illiterates, you understand world better, your positioning better and moreover what you can do best. In his podcasts, he brings many people from different walks of life and listening to them always feels luxury because honestly, a commoner don't have access to those people, their thoughts or ideas to learn from. However, glorifying droping out from college should come with some cautions.
4 replies
4 Replies on Manorama Hariram Yadav’s comment
“Idiot” would be a strong word and too much of a judgement for the decision for doing an MBA degree. Being a recent graduate of that degree and understanding the job market conditions, it is still difficult for one to find a good job. The statement would have made perfect sense if it was, “Doing an MBA when you’re 25 just to make more money is a wrong financial decision”. Because MBA is not only about finding a job that is going to fetch you more money. It is more about knowing people who might be making more money/build something in 5-10 years down the line and network with them. It is a place where you might meet the founding partner of your firm. Not everyone is fortunate enough to know many people. But MBA does give you the visibility to atleast 400 people for a span of 2 years. That would be the real takeaway from that course.
1 reply
1 Comment on Ponram Ramasamy Chellappa’s comment
Welcome to the world of GenZ where education is a mistake - high performance is an atrocity on the low performers - punishable offense - those founders who have a failed start-up are heros - those who expect team members to work are toxic. Soon all such people will be rounded up and locked in a prison run by the Kamath brothers
Yeah this was a low point. MBAs and other degrees are for education and upskilling. The ROI has dropped lately for the degree, but the information itself is valuable.
It has been a trend for a while that if you’re rich , you can quote anything (because you’re rich). I have a simple question that how many key positions in Mr.Kamath’s organisation are held by his employees with MBA (who did it at the age of 25 or later) ? If the number is substantial then he already has an answer to his statement within his company itself.
I was thinking about doing an MBA next year at 26. The moment I heard Nikhil, I put down my papers, gave up my F&F and immediately applied for an MBA right now at 25. That’s the kind of dedication you need to be included in this coveted category, sir
It's time that we stop making founders mentality a cult ,everyone has their own journey according to that they take their career decisions,there is no one size fits all.
You did an MBA at 29, worked hard in good colleges, and have 18 yrs of corporate experience... that's actually kinda impressive! The age cutoff's got you stuck tho. Maybe Mr. Nikhil Kamath should make an "MBA OG" list for ppl like you 🤣
Aashish AgrawalExactly. The 'limited context' doesn't really matter when your audience is that big. The failure is in knowing millions will hear you, and still choosing to make a narrow statement. The responsibility that comes with that platform was missed
Are bhai bhai Bhai 🤣. Sir easy lo . He said Abhi agar krre ho toh dikkat hai . And he is right 80-85% of Consultancy can be done with help of Semi Agentic AI.
Everyone has set a goal in their lives. One should always stick to their plans and never let anyone else decide their career. P.S In some of the top Universities abroad, age range also goes upto 40 in the MBA curriculum since they require at least 5 years of work experience. I don't think a person around mid 30s getting a MBA Finance degree from LBS or HBS falls under the category of "idiot".
Can the comments made by the Zerodha guy not be ignored? Does it become so important once you enter the 1000 crore club ? Waiting on comments from Dolly chaiwala next maybe the criteria will differ 👍🏻
Aashish- my MBA degree did help me during the first 2-3 years of my career (I went for an MBA as a fresher - which retrospectively seems like a wrong decision). After the initial headstart it's been all about figuring things out on the road. Today, however I feel MBA has lost in sheen & purpose. Also, it's become super expensive. My advice to someone today would be to skip the MBA & instead focus on learning on the job. Not worth the investment. Instead of taking out a 30 lac study loan- it may make more sense to avail an equivalent business loan ;)
Anirban Senguptanice perspective and i see where you are coming from. And it might work for some people. MBA gives people a good headstart, and as far as learning on the job is concerned, that is necessary for everyone- with or without mba
I think what we are missing is context. He is not saying it was mistake then, it is in reference to the times now. And i hope you can appreciate that the landscape now is very different given the sheer availability of knowledge easily. I did my MBA way back in 2006. Would i do it today after learning what i have in the past 20 years? i am not sure.
Neha Indoriai get the context, and i dont agree with him even in that context. I strongly feel that their is a case for mba even in todays day and age, maybe the program itself will evolve, it wont become obsolete
Age cutoffs overlook experience. Your non-linear path and sustained effort are strengths—argue for criteria that reward learning, resilience and demonstrable real-world impact.
Inhashtag#India, success nowdays is reflected through extreme “shock and awe” statements, know-all attitude, portrayal as visionary and showinghashtag#careerjourney as “I did or thought something that no one could have”. But actually life and career both involve a get deal ofhashtag#luck. But seems the more you succeed, the more you are detached from reality in India.
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Yash Pratap
• You
https://lnkd.in/gPuD-gym
The real benefit of an Indian MBA comes when people reach middle management, but AI is going to eliminate 80% of middle management jobs in Indian IT within the next decade. By the time people pay off their debt and try to reap the benefits of an MBA, the job market will have vanished due to AI. The Indian IT bubble already burst in 2023, and its decay started in 2011, which means those jobs will never come back.
The real tragedy is that Aunindyo Chakravarty is out of the mainstream — someone who can actually tell you what is “right” or “wrong,” with decades of credibility and experience in economics.
Aashish Agrawal
Author
Yash Pratap
• You
Anirwan Sengupta, PMP®, FIE
• 1st
When I appeared in 12th in 1991, I didn't want to become Engineer. I appeared for NDA instead (the exam dates for WBJEE and NDA coincided on 28th April 1991)... I cleared the written part to miss the SSB due to postal delay (not very uncommon those days). Next, year took up B. Stat Entrance in ISI, cleared the written only to fail in Interview. I halfheartedly started Engineering at the age of 20 in 1993 (It was 1st attempt through). Worked in the Industry for 7 years before deciding to write GATE. Became MTech at 33. Never became an MBA. Then in 2019, thought of seeing what is taught in IIMs... did SMP. It was a learning experience. And now, at 52, I am pursuing Master of Business Law.
Is the courses that I took late in life going to give me an edge over others? I don't care. Are they adding value to my work? Definitely. Not only that, I feel learning is organic with reflections and recapitulations. Especially, for a maverick like me, who feels suffocated in beaten track.
We are all different, we are all unique, and learning is always welcome.
Aashish Agrawal
Author
Rahul Deans
• 2nd
Anirwan Sengupta, PMP®, FIE
• 1st
Tarun Saha • 2nd
Sujith S S 👍
• 2nd
Men are never educated or illiterate.
Men are simply either rich or poor.
If a man is rich, we all take him seriously.
An ugly, illiterate and rich... Man is more valuable than any handsome, literate, poor(networth below 10 crore) man
Aashish Agrawal
Author
Arvind A Jeevannavar
• 3rd+
Sujith S S 👍
• 2nd
Yash Pratap
• You
Arunabh Podder
• 2nd
Gajendra Nagapurkar
• 2nd
Aashish Agrawal
Author
Abhishek Ganti
• 2nd
MBA's relevance is reducing. You did MBA >10 years back, I did 6 years back. It was more relevant then than now.
What was applicable to people like us, may not be fully applicable to people planning to pursue MBA in 2025. And AI is transforming the way we work - sector focus is becoming more important vs being a generalist. Sector specialists need not be an MBA grads.
Aashish Agrawal
Author
Abhishek Ganti
• 2nd
Like Consulting firms are hiring industry experts - all generalists roles are with AI with human intervention (which mean you may need 2 humans now vs 4-5 earlier). Now that's the change and why MBAs are losing relevance. HRs being replaced by AI (some companies fired HRs because of automation/AI).
Surprisingly Doctors are doing MBA and getting into consulting - why? Because the sector experience they bring cannot be given by a normal MBA grad.
Sales is not something that many want to go into, but get into them because they have no other option. This is what AI can't do: relationship mgmt.
The thing is, for commerce students, MBA is the most lucrative option (thats losing relevance). For eng, those who don't want technical work, MBA is the only option (because of pay). That's changing.
That's the difference now.
Aashish Agrawal
Author
Abhishek Ganti
• 2nd
The thing here is today degree is not a substitute to skills while earlier degree was treated as a skill.
Aashish Agrawal
Author
Krishna Vepakomma • 2nd
Sounak Ghosh
• 2nd
Abhishek Ganti
• 2nd
Campus recruitment is also done as a branding exercise, sending signals to market. What happens after that who knows?
See example below:
Sounak Ghosh
• 2nd
Manorama Hariram Yadav
• 2nd
Manorama Hariram Yadav
• 2nd
Ponram Ramasamy Chellappa
• 3rd+
The statement would have made perfect sense if it was, “Doing an MBA when you’re 25 just to make more money is a wrong financial decision”. Because MBA is not only about finding a job that is going to fetch you more money. It is more about knowing people who might be making more money/build something in 5-10 years down the line and network with them.
It is a place where you might meet the founding partner of your firm. Not everyone is fortunate enough to know many people. But MBA does give you the visibility to atleast 400 people for a span of 2 years. That would be the real takeaway from that course.
Aashish Agrawal
Author
CA Mayank Gupta • 3rd+
Aashish Agrawal
Author
Nemin Shah
• 2nd
Soon all such people will be rounded up and locked in a prison run by the Kamath brothers
Aashish Agrawal
Author
Siddharth Bothra
• 2nd
Aashish Agrawal
Author
Yogesh Kumar, CPA
• 2nd
Aashish Agrawal
Author
Charanjit Singh
• 2nd
Aashish Agrawal
Author
Aashish Agrawal
Author
Piyush Khushlani
• 2nd
Aashish Agrawal
Author
Anupam K.
• 2nd
Aashish Agrawal
Author
Akash M.
• 3rd+
I have a simple question that how many key positions in Mr.Kamath’s organisation are held by his employees with MBA (who did it at the age of 25 or later) ? If the number is substantial then he already has an answer to his statement within his company itself.
Aashish Agrawal
Author
Akash M.
• 3rd+
Aashish Agrawal
Author
Abhinav Prakash
• 2nd
Aashish Agrawal
Author
Abhinav Prakash
• 2nd
Aashish Agrawal
Author
Nishaad Joshi • 2nd
Aashish Agrawal
Author
Yash Annadate
• 2nd
Aashish Agrawal
Author
Vc Rkk PraChen • 2nd
Aashish Agrawal
Author
Prashant Tripathi
• 2nd
Aashish Agrawal
Author
Muhammad U.
• 3rd+
The age cutoff's got you stuck tho. Maybe Mr. Nikhil Kamath should make an "MBA OG" list for ppl like you 🤣
Aashish Agrawal
Author
Chinmay S.
• 2nd
Aashish Agrawal
Author
Chinmay S.
• 2nd
Aashish Agrawal
Author
CA Mahesh Lahoti • 2nd
80-85% of Consultancy can be done with help of Semi Agentic AI.
Aashish Agrawal
Author
Sagarika Banerjee • 3rd+
P.S In some of the top Universities abroad, age range also goes upto 40 in the MBA curriculum since they require at least 5 years of work experience. I don't think a person around mid 30s getting a MBA Finance degree from LBS or HBS falls under the category of "idiot".
Aashish Agrawal
Author
Aditya Shubham
• 2nd
Aashish Agrawal
Author
Varun P.
• 2nd
Aashish Agrawal
Author
Rohit Deshmukh • 3rd+
Aashish Agrawal
Author
Anirban Sengupta
• 2nd
Aashish Agrawal
Author
Ritik Prasad
• 2nd
Aashish Agrawal
Author
Neha Indoria
• 2nd
Aashish Agrawal
Author
Neha Indoria
• 2nd
Aashish Agrawal
Author
Nitin Shah
• 2nd
Aashish Agrawal
Author
Ankit Kumar Patidar
• 2nd
Aashish Agrawal
Author
Sandiip Porwal
• 2nd
Shrinngar Sinha
• 2nd
Rahul Sawadia
• 3rd+
But actually life and career both involve a get deal of hashtag#luck.
But seems the more you succeed, the more you are detached from reality in India.